Modern French-Inspired Wedding Ideas

It’s often said that “Paris is always a good idea,” and today’s modern and chic inspiration shoot styled by Caroline Dutton Events marries classic French details with a modern feel. A custom art backdrop from Christine Olmstead, the marbled details of Baltimore’s Congress Hotel, and a sleek and contemporary mirrored tabletop are perfectly paired with watercolor stationery by Just Write Studios and a gilded cake from Buttercream Bakeshop that feels straight from Versailles! A sophisticated tulle dress by Amsale has a classic feel, with an illusion back detailed with satin buttons. And an on-trend, cascading bouquet from Eight Tree Street is overflowing with peonies, roses, and larkspur. Prepare to fall in love with the beauty captured by Camille Catherine Photography!

After Jessica and Zach got engaged, they sweetly joined Jessica’s parents on a trip to DC to celebrate their wedding anniversary. One of their excursions there was to take a walk on the grounds where her parents held their wedding ceremony, the National Cathedral. Naturally, they were so smitten with the gardens and the buildings that once they found out the Gothic-style cathedral was now hosting wedding receptions in addition to ceremonies, the New Yorkers jumped on the chance to get married there. Jessica wanted an “elegant and ethereal” day so with the help of Caroline Dutton Events and Kate & Lilly Floral Design, they drew inspiration from the Bishop’s Garden on the grounds. With Audra Wrisley capturing all the pretty pale pink roses, peonies, greenery, and everything in between, the duo said their I do’s and partied the night away in one of the most amazing venues we’ve seen.

I’d love to close my eyes and transport myself to a world where everything around me was as beautiful as this magical bridal inspiration captured by The Jacksons Photography. Taking inspiration from the gilded accents in the ballroom at The Westin Columbus, Leda of Events Held Dear wanted to play with movement and texture, and mixed pieces of glass, wood, linen, silk, and crystal in her design. From flowing silk fabrics to shimmering taper candles and cozy rugs, each detail was thoughtfully created to evoke a romantic and ethereal feel. Evergreen Flower Co. created arrangements of blush garden roses and greenery with an organic shape, so that the entire finished tabletop looks like one intricately designed centerpiece. The pop of deep blue taper candles was the perfect finishing touch! Each moment from the way the Anna Campbell gown floats across the ballroom floor to the smoke from the tapers as it envelops the table is absolute magic!

Elegance and romance were the theme of the day for Kara and Lance’s winter black tie wedding at Tampa’s The Vinoy Renaissance. The couple were married on a gorgeous Florida day at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, one of the most stunning cathedrals in the area. After their traditional ceremony, guests moved to the Vinoy’s Mezzanine for cocktails overlooking the water and a reception in the grand ballroom where amber uplighting created a magical display in the stately hall. Events in Bloom created centerpieces in neutral tones of ivory and soft peach with roses, peonies, ranunculus, and stock. Kara and Lance opted for a sweetheart table, and it was a true centerpiece of the reception, with glimmering sequin linens and an elegant garland centerpiece of roses and eucalyptus. A sophisticated palette of warm metallics carried throughout, from beaded Adrianna Papell bridesmaids dresses to champagne bottle place card holders. Of course, it’s the personal touches that make a wedding special. Guests signed wine corks in lieu of a guest book, and Lance—a baseball player—wore Batman cleats in his Major League debut, and donned a special gift from Kara, monogrammed Batman cuff links. We are absolutely smitten with every detail, from Kara’s lace Girl with a Serious Dream dressing robe to the sparkler exit and vintage Rolls Royce. Prepare to fall in love with every beautiful image captured by Justin DeMutiis Photography!

There are some days that are simply perfect, and today is one of those days, because at long last, we are debuting Aisle Society to the world, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to share the absolutely gorgeous Aisle Society official brand shoot that I styled with Lauren of Every Last Detail and a dream team of Chicago’s best wedding pros at downtown’s most fabulous wedding venue, Chez. Together with the ladies from Estera Events, we set out to create an event that would showcase all of the things that Aisle Society represents: fun, friendship, community, and of course, utterly beautiful wedding inspiration! Dramatic draping from Drape Kings was the centerpiece of the room, swathed along the ceiling and leading to a ceremony altar flanked by simple but show-stopping eucalyptus arrangements from Fleur. In the rest of the details, we bathed the whitewashed space in color! Our gorgeous ladies donned frocks from Bella Bridesmaids and David’s Bridal in shades from blush to dusty blue and flowing Truvelle and Sarah Seven bridal gowns, carrying bouquets of vibrant summer blooms. The modern but elegant tabletop features glimmering sequin linens and rose gold chargers and amazing confetti popper menus from Sarah Drake Design. I’m brimming with excitement for you to watch the video of the day by the insanely talented Nicodem Creative (I dare you not to get goose bumps!) and see every gorgeous image from Alexis June Weddings!

We have such a drool-worthy inspiration shoot to kick off our week! Inspired by chic and elegant Paris and set in Hong Kong, the global influence is evident in the floral and design by JF Floral Couture. The Inbal Dror gown from Audella Bridal House has of-the-moment sleeves and a slinky silhouette. Stunning florals in shades of purple add regal elegance, along with gold calligraphy place cards from Kalo Make Art. Each image from Hilary Chan Photography is absolutely exquisite!

Flirty springtime shades paired with modern touches of gray is making our day today. Courtesy of the lens of Anja Schneeman Photography, we’re on cloud nine staring at these lovely photos of a bride draped in the dreamiest Berta dress. The popping purple appliqué on the gown was quite elemental according to German event designer Irka Fürle from Magnolias on Silk; it inspired the florals for the tablescape and rightfully so! A blend of rosy orchids, lilac-and-mauve colored roses, pink chrysanthemum, and white anthurium make the reception table so warm and inviting, while the stark white plates continue the modernity that this genius team of vendors wanted to play with. If you’re in a part of the world where it’s freezing, let this sweet inspo warm you right up.

The luxurious The St. Regis Dubai was the inspiration for this stunning styled editorial from Olga Che of Save the Date. Selecting a color palette of taupe, ivory, and brass to echo the hotel’s grand staircase and silk-embellished walls, Olga worked with Firenze Florals to create a tablescape with an opulent, elegant feel. Blown glass chargers, a sea of taper candles in a mix of neutral and metallic colors, and a mix of low and high centerpieces with areca palm leaves graced the table, each place setting fitted with a gold palm leaf detail, a nod to the locale. The overall effect is glamorous yet understated, as are the bridal looks styled by MHG Beauty featuring both a classic ballgown and a crystal beaded mermaid gown from Vanila Wedding Boutique. The entire scene is the height of sophistication, and beautifully captured by Enchante Studio!

When you think of Colorado, rustic mountain events are top of mind, but when planning their Denver wedding, Grace and Conor knew that they wanted their contemporary and minimalist aesthetic to shine. Cherry Creek’s new Halcyon Hotel was the perfect fit. Rooftop views gave guests a glimpse of the city to the north and mountains to the west, and the sleek ballroom and modern interior beautifully accentuated the theme. Grace found her dream gown, a sleek Theia Couture design, at A and Bé—it was the first gown she tried on!—while Conor selected an incredible navy Hugo Boss tuxedo. The couple eschewed the traditional bridal party and cake and splurged on a welcome party for their guests at a rooftop bar in downtown Denver and a band for the reception, accomplishing their goal of an incredible dance party! Kimberlee Berman of Sweet Bee Designs created bright, native arrangements, adding a healthy dose of color to the otherwise neutral palette. Completely spellbound by this sophisticated couple and the beautiful images captured by Sara Lynn Photographic!

The monochromatic look is all the rage, and this styled shoot featuring David’s Bridal‘s Fall 2017 collection is “Something Blue” perfection! Inspired by a Melissa Sweet for David’s Bridal wedding dress in dreamy ice blue, the Aisle Society ladies transformed the open and airy Hudson Loft into an entire wonderland of blue. Coordinating bridesmaids dresses in ice and steel blues were just the start of the on-trend styling. The Diana Gould Ltd team created an incredible harlequin-style ceremony backdrop with brushed metal accents that made the light dance throughout the loft, giving an enchanting glittery look to the accompanying ghost chairs. The tabletop carries through the modern theme, with a glass-topped table, shibori napkins, and a showstopping flower box centerpiece. As if all of these incredible details weren’t enough, a tassel installation surrounded the minimalist wedding cake from Lulu Cake Boutique. Swoon! From sapphire jewels to coordinating invitations (and of course those exquisite dresses!), David’s Bridal is truly a one stop shop for wedding goodness! We are completely smitten with this entire shoot, and the fabulous images captured by Cassi Claire Photography!

With its light, airy feel, this romantic wedding inspiration designed by the gorgeous and talented Louise Beukes is beyond stunning! A unique color palette of copper, blue, apricot, and rust is truly seasonless and perfect for the chic and stylish couple. Flowing silks from Kate Cullen and loose, delicate blooms designed by Bo Boutique are soft and elegant, while mini cakes from Claire Owen Cakes and agate place cards calligraphed by Oh Wonder Calligraphy add a whimsical and unexpected touch. And speaking of unexpected, the whitewashed loft setting is turned into a garden wonderland with loose branches added as a backdrop for the jaw-droppingly beautiful tabletop! Each and every detail is perfectly captured on film by Hannah Duffy!

Lauren and Raymond both hail from large Italian families, so their East Meadow, NY wedding was no small affair! Their shared love for their heritage was incorporated throughout their reception at The Carltun, from the Italian menu to the vintage map of Italy re-purposed as escort cards and Italian love notes hand-calligraphed by Eliza Gwendalyn. The couple chose not to see each other before their ceremony, and recalls that “walking down the aisle and seeing each other for the first time was something so special that we will never regret.” We know that the moment of seeing Lauren in her elegant and sophisticated Monique Lhuillier gown will be forever in Raymond’s memory! Lauren and Raymond worked with Pedestals for the classic ballroom reception, featuring hydrangea, sahara roses, and glimmering candlelight. Each moment captured by Michelle Lange Photography and NST Pictures is perfection!

Manhattan’s iconic Rainbow Room was the setting for Sara and John’s classic New York City wedding. Surrounded by their family and friends, the couple tied the knot after almost a decade of dating with sweeping views of the NYC skyline as their backdrop. Their sophisticated evening of dinner and dancing began with a ceremony underneath an intricate branch chuppah from Spina with Sara’s grandfather’s tallit atop, and ended with her grandfather’s flawless rendition of “New York, New York” performed for the reception. A chic Sylvia Weinstock cake with fresh blooms complemented the lush florals in ivory, blush, and lavender, decorating the one-of-a-kind Rainbow Room. We are head over heels for every moment of this NYC soiree captured by Brklyn View Photography and captivated by the beautiful film from McKenzie Miller Films!

Classic glamour was at the heart of this stunning inspiration shoot that celebrated old-world styling and sultry femininity, and the result is nothing short of breathtaking! Berkeley’s turn of the century castle-turned-hotel Claremont Club & Spa was the perfect setting for the blend of elegance and romance styled by Audrey Norman Photography and my lovely friend Ariana of Hey Wedding Lady. Working with a palette of crisp white, vintage gold, and hints of pastels, the team designed the event with a nod to the chic styles of the 1950s. Pretty floral motifs in the stationery by Aerialist Press perfectly matched the lush and romantic florals by Michelle Lywood, and the Galia Lahav gown from Kinsley James Couture Bridal Salon with a plunging back and sweeping tulle skirt stole the show, combining modern-day sexiness with retro-inspired curls from Kelly Jones Makeup. Darling bow details were sprinkled throughout, from the napkin bows at each place setting to the sculpted sugar ribbon on the cake from A Spoonful of Sugar. We are absolutely smitten with each gorgeous image from Audrey Norman Photography!

Jared and Lauren’s wedding was a self-described “giant garden party” at the stunning Miami Beach Botanical Garden. Though the Florida weather can be temperamental, the couple was greeted with gorgeous, sunny skies for their outdoor soiree. Jared is Jewish and Lauren Latin Catholic, so their ceremony—officiated by Lauren’s Godparents—was entirely customized to include traditions from both. The couple said their vows beneath a beautiful chuppah from Ever After Floral Design, played Ave Maria during the mantilla ritual, and broke the glass before their first kiss. The whimsical reception featured an eclectic seating area with settees and chairs from The Salvage Snob, a honey cake with rosewater buttercream frosting from Bake Bar, and a bourbon bar and cigar roller, a must-have in Cuban culture. Every moment is magical in the images from Merari Photography!

When you think about the gorgeousness that is Plum Pretty Sugar, of course the first things that pop to mind are their fabulous robes, shortie sets, and PPS Couture bridesmaids dresses, but what is absolutely wonderful about the wide variety of apparel and accessories available at Plum Pretty Sugar is that the romantic, feminine styles are about more than just the wedding: there are chic styles for your honeymoon and all of the days after! I was so thrilled to style this two-day shoot in Charleston at the premiere boutique hotel, Zero George Street, featuring all sorts of beautiful styles from Plum Pretty Sugar (catch part 1 HERE!), and just wait until you see the easy-to-wear looks for your honeymoon!

Sometimes images are so close to your heart that you are just bursting with excitement to share them, and that’s exactly the case with today’s bridal inspiration featuring the exquisite collection from Plum Pretty Sugar! I have long been in love with their feminine and romantic collection of apparel and accessories, with beautiful silhouettes and whisper-soft fabrics in enchanting patterns and garden-inspire palettes. So imagine my pure joy when I was able to travel to Charleston to style this gorgeous shoot with my fellow Aisle Society blogger, Gillian of Coastal Bride featuring Plum Pretty Sugar and captured in the most perfectly romantic way possible by the incredible Kelly Sauer.

We’re so excited to introduce you to the fabulousness that is Brideside! Haven’t heard of Brideside yet? You’re in for a treat because Brideside is your very own personal assistant for wedding party attire. Their free personal style consultant will work with you and your maids to make bridesmaids dress shopping the easiest part of your wedding. Sign up below to get started—these ladies will be your extra pair of hands, armed with tons of knowledge about the bridesmaid dress process! And even more fun? We’ve got the skinny on their brand new #AltarEgo line designed by Kelly Faetanini! Pick a dress, add a skirt, and change your look in an instant with these chic dresses that go from flirty to formal in the blink of an eye. I was thrilled to work with Brideside and my fellow Aisle Society blogger Pretty Pear Bride to style a shoot featuring the #AltarEgo line and so many more of the gorgeous gowns from my favorite designers like Jenny Yoo, Joanna August, Sorella Vita, and Donna Morgan. The always-amazing Emilia Jane Photography was there to capture all of the fun!

Alyssa and Andrew’s Baltimore garden wedding is so classic and elegant! They chose the Sculpture Garden at the Baltimore Museum of Art for the ceremony location. Photography was provided by Jocelyn of Studio Mathewes.